Most people know the importance of an emergency fund, but saving money is easier said than done. There are so many temptations, like thinking we have to constantly upgrade our lifestyles and keep up with the latest technology. At some point, though, we have to take control of our spending. Whether you’re looking to pay off debt, build an emergency fund or save for another purpose, your cell phone bill can put a dent in your savings without you even realizing it. So, f you need help saving, here are three money-saving apps you need to download today. 1. Acorns About a year ago, I discovered Acorns and I’ve had nothing but positive experiences with the app. I use the app to effortlessly save for weekend getaways, but it’s also useful for growing your money with long-term investments, especially if you don’t know where to start. This app is perfect for anyone with limited investing experience. Simply download Acorns and then link a debit card or credit card to you account. For every purchase you make with a linked card, Acorns rounds… Read more
Why does it seem like cell phone batteries always die at the worst times? Like when you need to make an urgent phone call and you're nowhere near a power source? We've all been there - and chances are, you'll be in that situation again and again. No matter how well you plan, a dead cell phone battery can catch you completely off guard. You can’t always control your battery’s life, but there are ways to slow down the drainage. Here are a few tips that could help you without even realizing it. Turn Off Services The more services you have turned on, the faster your cell phone battery dies. Make a conscious effort to turn off any services you're not currently using. If you're not using Wi-Fi, there's no need to have it on. With your Wi-Fi on, your phone automatically connects to saved networks and constantly searches for an open network, which slowly drains your battery. Also turn off your GPS and Bluetooth. The less power your cell uses, the longer your battery will last. You'll also use less battery… Read more
Cell phones are more than a luxury, at this point, they're practically a necessity. Since we don’t know when an emergency will occur, a cell phone can provide peace of mind, allowing you to communicate from almost anywhere at any time. But while cell phones can put our minds at ease, that can come with a hefty price tag. If you're tired of outrageous cell phone bills, you might consider switching from a contract to a prepaid phone plan. Going prepaid can definitely save you some money, but before you make a final decision, here’s a look at a few advantages and disadvantages of a prepaid plan. Pros One of the biggest pros of opting for prepaid is the ability to get a plan without signing a contract. This gives you freedom to come and go as you please, minus early termination fees. With this flexibility, if it doesn’t work out with your chosen carrier, you can simply switch to another. Prepaid cell phones are pay-as-you-go plans. Because there's no contract, you pay upfront for your minutes. This is a major plus… Read more
If you can't remember the last time you used a landline, you're probably wondering whether you need to maintain a home phone line at all. Chances are, all your friends and family members call your cell when they need to talk. Plus, if you're looking for a way to save money, cutting this utility bill can definitely put some extra cash in your pocket. But while landline telephones are disappearing from many households, there are a few questions to ask yourself before canceling your home service and relying solely on your cell phone. 1. How’s the reception in your home? If you're fortunate enough to live near your carrier’s cell tower, you probably have excellent cell phone reception in your home. Regardless of the time or day, your calls would be crystal clear without any dropped calls or interruption in service. The further you live from a tower, however, the more likely you are to have issues with reception. So before canceling your landline, think about the number of times you’ve had spotty service in the recent weeks or months. Yes, a… Read more
Quick - think of someone you know who doesn't own a cellphone. Take a few more seconds. Anyone come to mind? Everyone has a cell phone nowadays, kids and young adults included. From games, to organizing our lives, to surfing the internet and watching movies, there's nothing our cell phones can't do. So it comes as no surprise that kids and teenagers can't live without them - or so they say. But as a parent, you may question whether your child is ready for a phone. If you survived without one as a kid, why can't they? The reality is, times have changed and the prevalence of cell phones does actually make existing without one harder and harder every day. Businesses and homes alike are quickly dropping landlines in exchange for cells and phone booths are already a thing of the past. So, how do you know if your child is ready for their own cell phone? If you aren't sure, ask yourself the following questions - the answers may surprise you. 1. Do they really need a phone? Every family’s situation… Read more